Chris Hughton has turned down Stoke as the Potters begin the search for Nathan Jones’ replacement.
Stoke are sacking Jones because of his disastrous nine-month reign and they are bottom of the Championship with just two points.
The axe could fall today and the Potters’ hierarchy were keen to try and line up a successor before they dismissed Jones.
They approached Hughton, who has been out of work since being sacked by Brighton at the end of last season, but the former Newcastle boss wants to wait in the hope of landing another Premier League job.
Hughton’s refusal is the only reason why Jones is still at his post and he has been a dead man walking since last week.
Stoke knew they had to act even before their humiliating home defeat to fellow strugglers Huddersfield , who had only won one league game since November prior to Monday’s victory at the bet365 Stadium.
Jones, 46, has won just three of his 30 league games in charge and Stoke, who spent a decade in the top fight before being relegated in 2018, are in real danger of going down to League One.
Jones admitted he knew the end was coming before the Huddersfield defeat and says he has no complaints because the board and the fans have been so patient with him.
He is now just waiting for the phone call from chief executive Tony Scholes, telling him to clear his desk and is adamant he will bounce back from this first setback of his coaching career.
Speaking on Monday, he said: “I’ve come to a club, a great club, I’m privileged to have managed this club. It’s been tough, it’s been draining, it’s been a massive learning curve for me.
“I’ve come from nothing and I’m prepared to go back and start again wherever I have to.”
